Blue Jays’ Guerrero Jr., Bichette, Merrifield and Gausman Named to All-Star Team

Bo Bichette is thankful to be returning to the all-star game.

The American League hits leader was one of four Toronto Blue Jays chosen for Major League Baseball’s midseason exhibition on Sunday. Slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., trump Kevin Gausman and second baseman Whit Merrifield join Bichette in the all-star game.

Bichette was an all-star in 2021 and he said that now that he’s older he will appreciate the honor more.

“To be honest, I think I took it for granted my freshman year,” Bichette said before officially becoming an all-star. “So if I get that chance again, I will certainly be happy to take it.”

Bichette leads the AL with 113 hits this season. The shortstop has a batting average of .317, 15 home runs and 51 runs batted in.

It will be Guerrero’s third consecutive all-star game and he was named the 2021 Exhibition Most Valuable Player. He is hitting .274 this season with 12 home runs and 52 RBIs.

Guerrero announced Friday that he would participate in the Home Run Derby with Blue Jays manager John Schneider throwing him in that exhibition. They combined for a record 91 home runs in the 2019 derby.

Gausman has a 7-4 record with a 3.04 earned run average and an AL-best 146 strikeouts.

Merrifield hits .282 with two home runs and 30 RBIs split between second base and the outfield. He was traded to Toronto from the Kansas City Royals ahead of last season’s trade deadline.

He said his fresh start with the Blue Jays led to his third all-star appearance.

“I had a good first half so it’s nice to be rewarded for that,” said Merrifield. “Especially after a difficult start to my year last year.

“Missed last year so it’s nice to get off to a better start.”

The home run derby is on July 10 and the all-star game is held the next day at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park.